There has been an explosion of interest in paddling right across the
world - in 2020, British Canoeing reported a 40% rise in members, with
19,000 signing up in a 3-month period. Much of this interest has been in
inflatable kayaks, with the author's own website
(inflatablekayaksandpackrafts.com) averaging 1,000 visits a day. The
comparatively low cost, the convenience of inflatable kayaks, and the
fact that you can just get in and go, all add up to their appeal. And
with thousands of miles of waterways in the UK, most are within reach of
a river or canal where you can paddle your kayak and enjoy being in the
fresh air, gently travelling through the natural world. You see the
country from a different perspective and in an eco-friendly way. But, as
with everything, a little bit of knowledge and technique makes the
experience so much more enjoyable! That is where this book comes in. It
provides a perfect introduction to the sport. It takes you through the
different types of inflatable kayaks so you buy the one that is right
for you. It shows you the basic on-the-water skills that you will need,
including getting in and out, how to paddle straight and turn. It
outlines the gear you will need and talks about where to paddle as well
as weather, safety, maintenance and repair of your equipment. It covers
kayaking in rivers and canals, lakes and lochs, and coastal kayaking.
All aspects are heavily illustrated with colour photographs making it
easy to understand and clear to follow.
